Additional guidance on what constitutes a Probity Event under the NHMRC Funding Agreement.
Defined in the NHMRC Funding Agreement, a 'Probity Event' means any event or occurrence which:
- has a material adverse effect on the integrity, character or honesty of the Administering Institution, a Participating Institution or Personnel involved in a Research Activity; or
- relates to the Administering Institution, a Participating Institution or Personnel involved in a Research Activity and has a material adverse effect on the public interest or public confidence in the Administering Institution, Participating Institution or Research Activity.
Administration Institution Obligations
Section 31.4(h) of the Funding Agreement states that the Administering Institution must immediately notify NHMRC in writing if it becomes aware of a Probity Event, Data Breach or an unmanaged Conflict of Interest.
Following advice of a Probity Event, NHMRC may take corrective actions as specified in Clause 15.2 of the Funding Agreement.
Responsibilities of Administering Institutions
Under clause 31.4(h) of the Funding Agreement, an Administering Institution should immediately notify NHMRC if it becomes aware of a Probity Event involving a person in receipt of NHMRC funding. This may include, but not necessarily be limited to, that person being:
- subject of a substantiated complaint/s about a breach of institutional workplace policies, including behavioural and sexual misconduct policies, which if substantiated would be likely to result in significant disciplinary action
- subject of a conduct complaint/s to a professional body, which if substantiated would be likely to result in significant disciplinary action
- charged with criminal offences where conviction is likely to result in a sentence of imprisonment (NHMRC may take precautionary measures pending the outcome of a prosecution).
